Teenager Ghirmay Ghebreslassie stuns marathon stars at world championships in Beijing
'My parents wanted me to be a great student but I wanted to be a great athlete. Today’s victory will be a great surprise to them'
Eritrean teenager Ghirmay Ghebreslassie became the youngest ever marathon world champion when he stunned a strong field of fellow East Africans to win the first title of the Beijing championships on Saturday.
The 19-year-old eased clear of the field over the final six kilometres and crossed the line in two hours, 12 minutes and 27 seconds to claim a first world championships gold medal for his country.
“I cannot explain what I am feeling, I am so happy,” he said.
“I am so proud of this victory. My medal is the first gold medal in Eritrean history. It is a very special thing for our history.
“My parents wanted me to be a great student but I wanted to be a great athlete. Today’s victory will be a great surprise to them.”
